From its lakeside edge to its cozy wooded streets, West Palm Beach neighbors agree they live in a nature lovers’ paradise. “The Palm Beach area has a resort-like atmosphere,” says Marilyn Durante, a local real estate broker with Lakes Realty Group. “I go through the subdivisions on my morning walks, and I’ll pass four lakes within an hour. It’s a desirable area with a quiet atmosphere.” The community’s pillar is Pistakee Lake, which is lined with homes that provide private water and docking access.
West Palm Beach neighbors agree they live in a resort-like, nature lovers’ paradise.
In West Palm Beach, large custom-built homes line the waterway
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Exploring the waters of Pistakee Lake
With Pistakee Lake serving as a backyard for many residents, boating, kayaking, and fishing are popular pastimes in West Palm Beach. “Being right on Pistakee Lake is a big perk of living here,” Durante says. “Boat launches and beaches are common, and there are a number of marinas that can be used by locals who don’t live right on the water.” Harmony Marina is 3 miles away, and Light House Marina sits 5.5 miles outside the neighborhood in Fox Lake. Boaters can dock there or fill up on gas after a long ride on the lake. Along with the reservoir, nature preserves surround this small community. Pistakee Bog spans more than 200 acres and connects to the Tamarack View Trail and the Volo Bog Nature Preserve, where locals can traverse expansive marshes and meadows. Equestrians of West Palm Beach need not travel far to find boarding and riding facilities. Pistakee Bay Stable is home to both indoor and outdoor arenas, along with a 30-stall barn. Pistakee Country Club’s 9-hole course is also nearby for golfers.
Water sports like boating and jet ski are popular among residents in West Palm Beach.
Resident of West Palm Beach, enjoying a boat ride back to his home.
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Homes provide private dock access and large lawns
Homebuyers can expect higher prices here compared to some neighboring communities. The average listing price sits around $550,000, though some homes sell for more than $1.5 million. In nearby Johnsburg, the average home value is around $358,000. According to Durante, homes don’t hit the market very often in West Palm Beach, and when they do, they’re sold within a few days. The properties situated along the banks of the waterway often feature in-ground pools and large lots of an acre or more. Further inland, there is a selection of ranch-style houses and split-levels surrounded by foliage for less than $300,000.
West Palm Beach offers a much slower pace and a scenic setting to call home.
The properties often feature large lots of an acre or more in West Palm Beach.
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Fresh fish and scenic views at The Backyard Bar & Marina
Waterfront living extends to the dining scene around West Palm Beach. Formerly known as House on Pistakee Lake, The Backyard Bar & Marina opens seasonally and, for three years in a row, was voted one of the best waterfront dining spots in McHenry County by the Northwest Herald readers. Locals eat fresh fish while enjoying lake views from the outdoor patio. Inside, there are slots for gamers and a bar lined with TVs. On Friday nights, stop by Dockers for the all-you-can-eat fish fry. Groceries can be picked up at the Aldi or Jewel-Osco within 2 miles of the neighborhood.
The Backyard Bar & Marina opens seasonally and serves up fresh fish and lakefront views from it
Residents of West Palm Beach are enjoying the quaint porch seating at The Coffee Shop.
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Attending highly rated McHenry Community High School
Students are zoned for McHenry School District 15 and begin their education at Hilltop Elementary. The school serves students in prekindergarten through third grades and earns a B-minus from Niche. Each of the other schools in the district, Chauncey H. Duker School and McHenry Middle School receive the same rating. Once students filter into A-minus-rated McHenry Community High School, they will transition into McHenry Community High School District 156. The high school is divided across two campuses, one for freshmen and one for upperclassmen. Students here will find a range of career and technology courses to consider, including business management, graphics and manufacturing.
McHenry Community High School earns A-minus rating from Niche.
McHenry Middle School is a well-regarded school in the community.
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Commutes to larger cities and villages
West Palm Beach provides a sense of seclusion but is within driving distance of several townships and villages. Less than 5 miles away are the amenities of McHenry and Fox Lake. Each of those areas also provides access to the Metra. Hop on the Orange Line in McHenry or the Yellow Line in Fox Lake to reach downtown Chicago. Those who prefer driving to the city center travel along U.S. Route 12 and Interstate 290 for roughly 60 miles. A shorter commute along U.S. Route 12, about 40 miles, will lead to Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
Those who prefer driving to the city center travel along U.S. Route 12 and Interstate 290.
Fox Lake Metra station connects West Palm Beach commuters to wider Chicago area.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Matt Lysien,
an experienced agent in this area.
Parks in this Area
North Oak Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
McBark Dog Park
Dog Park
Multi-Purpose Field
Liberty Trails Park
Playground
Multi-Purpose Field
Lakefront Park
Lake
Playground
Parking Lot
Volo Bog State Natural Area
Trails
Nature Center
Parking Lot
Heritage Community Park
Community Garden Green
Millenium Park
Transit
Airport
Chicago O'Hare International
63 min drive
Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
West Palm Beach
US
Homicide
2
4
Sexual Assault
2
4
Assault with Weapon
1
4
Robbery
1
4
Burglary
2
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
2
4
Larceny
2
4
Crime Score
2
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in West Palm Beach, Johnsburg sell after 24 days on the market compared to the national average of 48 days. The average sale price for homes in West Palm Beach, Johnsburg over the last 12 months is $685,142, up 39% from the average home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Home Trends
Median Price (12 Mo)
$595,000
Median Single Family Price
$595,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$232
Last 12 months Home Sales
7
Median List Price
$650,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
3%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
8%
Home Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
115
Median Year Built
1923
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,062
Significantly below the national average
1,937
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,890
Distribution of Home Values
Source: Public Records
Interested in learning more about homes in this neighborhood?
Reach out to
Matt Lysien,
an experienced agent in this area.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Owners
Demographics
Total Population
514
Median Age
51
Population Density
1 person/acre
Population under 18
17.3%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
29%
Above the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$92,424
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$113,262
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
96.7%
Above the national average
89.1%
College Graduates
40.4%
Advanced Degrees
4.8%
Below the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
63.5%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
36''
Average Winter Low Temperature
12°F
Average Summer High Temperature
81°F
Annual Snowfall
27''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
26/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
4/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
